For travelers with a layover in Telluride, the proximity of TEX to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 40 minutes via Shuttle/Taxi Services, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Telluride, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Telluride is roughly 40 minutes from TEX via Shuttle/Taxi Services. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
What’s Worth Seeing in Telluride
For a layover visit to Telluride, we’d suggest Telluride Gondola and Explore Historic Main Street. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at TEX, check out Panoramic Mountain Views from Terminal or Airport Gift Shop & Local Goods to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Telluride, local travelers recommend Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery. If you have time for a second stop, Brown Dog Pizza is another popular pick.
Back at TEX, High Country Bites & Brews (Airport Counter) is the go-to. Grab-and-Go Snacks & Drinks rounds out your in-terminal options.
How to Get Into Telluride
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle/Taxi Services | ~40 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~60 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Shuttle/Taxi Services is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Telluride, budget roughly $48 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $25 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $13 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Telluride.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at TEX can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Telluride for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and TEX is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Telluride and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Taking a Break at TEX
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at TEX, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Telluride with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Telluride may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.